NCUF Sets Financial Reality Fair at GAC

The National Credit Union Foundation plans to hold a Financial Reality Fair for the third year in a row at the GAC.

The fair will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 27, from noon to 2 p.m. on the second floor of the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill and will feature participation from four Washington-area high schools.

The reality fair features a series of booths where students identify career choices and try their hand at budgeting to live within a monthly salary while paying for housing, utilities, transportation, clothing and food, not to mention entertainment and travel.

Temptations for extra spending are included as the students are counseled on how to choose between needs and wants. After their trip through the booths, the students sit down for a review session with a financial counselor.

GAC attendees are invited to watch the action at the fair anytime while it’s going on, the NCUF said.

“Conducting a Reality Fair at GAC is a great way to expose legislators and their staff about the unique and impactful financial education programs that are offered by credit unions,” added Lois Kitsch, director of the NCUF’s National REAL Solutions Program.

“Not only are area high school students benefiting from the experience as well, but we welcome GAC attendees to the fair to see the benefits of holding a reality fair in their community,” Kitsch said.

The NCUF’s support for the fair this year comes from the Credit Union League of Connecticut, Maryland & DC Credit Union Association, Congressional FCU, HEW FCU and GPO FCU.